Metformin and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Tex...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have T2 diabetes. So, I take metformin 500 mg twice a day. It does make me go to the restroom more often, but no diarrhea as such. Before this med, I only went about once a week. I've also lost weight. Blood sugar is also coming down. I eat healthier now, too. No complaints so far."

• new...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "So this is the first drug I have tried. Dr. warned me about GI distress and typical weight loss of 10 lbs. Started on 1000 mg every day. All it did was give me diarrhea, I'm talking horrible cramping with 3 hours of diarrhea until dehydrated and weak. I changed to taking 500 mg in the morning and evening, which helped relieve the frequency of diarrhea some, but still had cramps and heartburn. My Dr. told me to stick with it, as symptoms should lessen over time. They did not. At three-month checkup, my HgbA1c was actually elevated from before starting the med, and I gained 4 lbs. My Dr. suggested changing the med as GI symptoms just don't resolve for some people."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2021

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have been trying to conceive about a year now. I then decided to go see my doctor. I was asked to run some tests, which came out as PCOS. I was placed on metformin. Wow, the side effects dealt with me big time: constant diarrhea and stomach upset. In fact, I didn't go out. This is actually my fourth day on it, but I am grateful I have lost weight, and I believe I will conceive soon because this drug works like magic. I am taking 1000 mg a day."

• Mol...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 26, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking metformin for years, but I'm finding that different generics not only are less effective but give me more acid and G.I. problems. Teva was good, but they stopped making it. Sun Pharmaceuticals/Cacaro was also good at controlling BG, with no side effects. But I find the pharmacies are carrying cheaper generics, particularly with the Medicare drug plan insurance. I'm finding that my blood sugar is not as well controlled, and I'm having more problems with nausea and cramping, though no diarrhea. I may have to switch to something else, I'll see what the next A1C is like."

• K08...
• December 23, 2009

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I started to take Metformin two months ago, after finally receiving proper treatment for PCOS and insulin resistance. The first month was especially rough; gas, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea were persistent. It seemed my body was used to my blood sugar being high, so if I didn't watch mealtimes, I ended up having minor symptoms of hypoglycemia, even though my blood sugar was normal (finally!). On rough days, I would take an Imodium with my Metformin, careful not to overtake it. I stopped eating crap (it made me sick), and I found that if I took it an hour or two before or after meals instead of with the meal, my GI side effects weren't as bad. Drink lots of water!!"

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2017

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I'm 28. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 27 after no periods for 4 months (usually regular). GP prescribed Metformin and told me to lose weight. I’ve been taking Metformin since late November 2016 (about 8 weeks now), and my period arrived (with a vengeance) the first week of January 2017, so about 6 weeks after starting. Can’t tell if it was the pills, but I like to think it helped. Metformin makes me nauseous sometimes, I snack less. I occasionally have an upset stomach and diarrhea. I make sure I’m near a toilet before eating a proper meal. I drink lots of water and don’t take any other pills. It’s hard not to worry, but follow the plan and take it easy on yourself. I’m glad I was given Metformin and will continue to take it. All the best xxx"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2022

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I found out I have a cyst on both ovaries and was diagnosed with PCOS back in August 2022. I started metformin (1500 mg) on November 5th, 2022, and so far I am disgusted. Literally, I have diarrhea, which is relieving because I get stopped up a lot. Also, I get burping, and I am sick to my stomach, the nausea is horrible. I’ve lost 7 lbs already. I don’t like taking them at all, but I’ve decided to keep going and see if my body would adjust."

• Ham...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 21, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "First off, after reading several reviews about the need to eat right before taking this med, I’ve done just that and avoided stomach issues like diarrhea. I only get a little nausea when I go up in dose every couple of weeks. I’m taking Metformin (not the extended release) for PCOS and insulin resistance, and it’s already helped me to lose weight just three weeks in! I don’t crave sugar and my appetite is lessened. Also, for the PCOS symptoms like acne and irregular periods, I seem to be benefiting greatly from the Metformin! The acne has really calmed down, and my cycle was actually normal this month."

• T2 ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 12, 2022

Metformin for Type 2 Diabetes "Been taking 1000 XR x2 for 6 months. Diagnosed with horrible stats: A1C 9.8! and cholesterol. I'm not overweight and BM is less than 24. Insulin levels okay, but terrible resistance. My biggest problem: low muscle mass. Metformin helped in reducing A1C along with exercise and carb counting to A1C 5.6 within 6 months, and statins reduced my cholesterol to half. That's the good news (statistically), the bad is that, unlike others with diarrhea, I have had hard pebble poop (classed as constipation) from day one, plus lack of energy in the morning. Now my dosage is 500 mg in the evening, but problems with my stomach persist, although the lower dosage allows me to work on my body mass: proteins + heavy exercise, and it really works. A year later, A1C is still below 6 (5.8), which is very good news, plus I have more muscles that I put to training every hour and every day. I am now looking for alternative Metformin manufacturers to get rid of chronic constipation. It is different for everyone..."

• Jen...
• September 1, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have PCOS and was struggling to conceive because of my irregular periods. My Gyno/OB started me on Metformin 500 mg. However, he told me to start slowly, taking one tablet in the morning and one at night, then once I had adjusted to that, one tablet 3 times a day. He told me that it makes you feel nauseous, he was right. I did feel quite sick, so I would recommend staggering the dosage and working up to three tablets a day. It worked for me. It also gave me diarrhea every now and then, but it wasn't that bad, more like loose stools, not explosive. I was on Metformin for a few months, my periods were semi-regular, and then I fell pregnant. Didn't really lose much weight, just a couple of kilos, which I think was because I felt sick from the tablet."

• Jen...
• September 1, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I have PCOS and was struggling to conceive because of my irregular periods. My Gyno/OB started me on Metformin 500 mg. However, he told me to start slowly, taking one tablet in the morning and one at night, then once I had adjusted to that, one tablet 3 times a day. He told me that it makes you feel nauseous, he was right. I did feel quite sick, so I would recommend staggering the dosage and working up to three tablets a day. It worked for me. It also gave me diarrhea every now and then, but it wasn't that bad, more like loose stools, not explosive. I was on Metformin for a few months, my periods were semi-regular, and then I fell pregnant. Didn't really lose much weight, just a couple of kilos, which I think was because I felt sick from the tablet."

• Sop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2019

For Female Infertility "I have PCOS and had a successful pregnancy with Clomid 2 years ago at 150 mg after taking Clomid for 5 months. I started Clomid again, 150 mg for 9 months with no success this time. I did ovulate every month, though. My ob-gyn referred me to a fertility specialist, and after doing more lab work, decided to put me on a dose of metformin, 850 mg, 2 tabs per day of metformin. I took 1 tab for 1 week and then 2 tabs on the second week. The first week I had diarrhea, nausea, headache, but it was tolerable. I also got my period 6 days after starting metformin after not having one for almost 6 months, so that’s a plus. On the second week of metformin dosage of 1700 mg, my side effects got worse. I still have diarrhea, lightheadedness, stomach pain, and also vomiting. I take it at dinner time once I get home since I work in the daytime. Hope this works with all these side effects, lol. When I was on Clomid, I did not have any side effects. I’ll update you ladies and see if I ovulate."

• Alr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 16, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I began Metformin 2 years ago, dosage of 1000 mg daily at dinner. Initial issues with loose bowels, gas, resolved within 4-6 weeks. Seemed to help reduce blood sugar, but room for improvement, so after 6 months, increased to 1500 mg. Six months later, at check-up, I complained of chronic bilateral leg pain. Doctor ordered blood work. No problems there. Prescribed anti-inflammatory diet, increased Metformin to 2000 mg. Leg pain got worse, especially in the morning after exercising (weight training, mostly). Most excruciating morning, after celebration, with an increase in alcohol intake. Really affecting ADLs. Stumbled upon info about Metformin, alcohol, lactic acidosis, muscle pain. Doctor's nurse didn’t ask questions when I asked about dosage. I stopped taking it. Pain gone within a week."

• Mim...
• July 12, 2021

For Insulin Resistance Syndrome "I have been on metformin 500 mg since 2015, weighed 212 pounds at 5 feet 2. I was exercising at a gym 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. This was pre-pandemic, I kept a food, weight, and exercise diary. The doctor prescribed a dose of three 500 mg tablets of metformin a day, 1 pill to be taken with each meal. I don't eat 3 meals a day, I only eat when my tummy growls. I eat protein, salad with oil and vinegar. Absolutely no wine or alcohol. I eliminated carbs with the exception of fresh fruit. Experienced extreme gas, bloating, and felt terrible since 2015. I have lost 72 pounds, and my doctor wishes for me to continue taking one metformin 500 mg a day. I declined and haven't taken it for the past 3 days, and my husband noticed I was happier, perkier, and had more energy. I never felt this suppressed my appetite, this medicine made me sick with diarrhea, the most vile gas, bloating, and most recently throwing up bile. I live on salads alone with my own homemade dressing of balsamic vinegar and oil."

• Lar...
• August 18, 2015

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was diagnosed with PCOS in June. I started taking metformin 3 weeks ago, and I've noticed a big difference in my appetite. I'm not hungry as often. I have been getting diarrhea and nausea, but I have a very sensitive stomach, so I'm not surprised. No other changes yet. I'm 4 months late, so hopefully it'll bring my period."

• Anonymous
• February 20, 2012

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "Metformin started off good for me. Except for the frequent diarrhea, it worked quickly to give me a normal period. I had no weight loss (though I really need it), and after 3 months, my periods became irregular again. My doctor increased my dose after six months, and again after 3. I'm still not regularly regular, and it hasn't increased my ovulation (per a daily ovulation test). This medicine has generally great reviews, but it's very inconsistent for me."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2010

For Type 2 Diabetes "After one year on my medication, I find it to cause serious fatigue if I have not eaten regularly. Gas and bloating are on and off. Minor weight reduction. (Initially, it was a wonder drug with the usual gas and loose stool, over time, its positive effects are less noticeable unless I miss a dose.)"

• spt...
• November 29, 2011

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "My doctor diagnosed me with PCOS 1 month ago and put me on Metformin to help with my period. The first week was fine, except for cravings and a little diarrhea. By the third week, I upped my dose to 1000 mg a day. The first day taking 1000 mg, I got really sick (vomiting), and every time I would move, I felt like I was going to get sick again, so basically, I laid around all day (thank goodness I upped my dose on a weekend). After that, I was fine, well, as long as I took the pill on a full stomach, I had no problems in that area. I haven't lost any weight, and the way I'm going, I will probably be gaining soon because my cravings are getting out of hand. I have never been into as much chocolate or any kind of junk food until I started taking Metformin. I have also been constipated, cold sores on my lips (two in a week), and pimples in areas that I don't usually get them. I don't know what to think about the pill so far, I will give it another month and see how it goes."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2017

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I am 20 years old. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with PCOS. Before I knew I had it, I noticed that I couldn't lose any weight no matter how hard I tried. My doctor prescribed me Metformin and Spironolactone. When I first started the meds, I was vomiting a lot and had diarrhea, but I did see changes in my body. I started feeling lighter, and I was losing weight within a month. I'm in college, so it was hard for me to deal with those side effects at school, so I stopped it for a time. Now I started using it again because I want to lose weight, hopefully, it keeps working. By the way, besides helping with weight, Metformin helps make you fertile. So if you're not planning on having kids now, you should be on birth control too."

• Ray...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took metformin for less than a week, then I refused to take it anymore. The side effect of the diarrhea was minor, about once per day, but I felt vitamin supplements were doing a better job than it beforehand. Also, metformin would no longer let me sleep for almost 3 days, which, in my opinion, is a far more life-threatening predicament. The doctor prescribed this while ignoring another potentially life-threatening ailment, malnutrition, which was clearly causing it."

• Anonymous
• July 4, 2011

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on Avandamet for years, but the weakness, tiredness, and especially the diarrhea came to be too much to bear. If I wanted to go someplace, I had to stop medicating. I had to take one pill twice a day, which resulted in three bouts of diarrhea per pill. My blood sugars were well within range, and I have found nothing since to bring them down to that level, but I refuse to be bound by side effects any longer."

• Kei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2016

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I am 29 years old, was diagnosed with PCOS a year ago. I've always had irregular cycles and have been trying to conceive for a few years. My primary care doctor referred me to a PCOS specialist after my blood work showed I had insulin resistance and was prediabetic. She first started me out with progesterone because I wanted to have my cycle. At my next visit, I informed her I did want to try to have a baby, which means I needed to ovulate to do so. She prescribed metformin 500 mg twice daily. When I first started the meds, it made me sick, nauseous, caused occasional diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Those side effects eventually subsided. I just had a check-up today, and she is prescribing me 500 mg four times a day. I'm praying for a BFP. Wish me luck."

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "Today is my day 10, severe diarrhea started on day 2. Bad in the morning and late evening. Yesterday, I started with a metallic taste in my mouth. I hope it passes. My dose is 500 mg twice a day. As far as side effects go, not too bad."

• RKa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I’ve tried every dose of metformin, and it all caused horrible side effects for me (nausea, sometimes vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, etc.) I’m now on metformin 500XR once daily for two weeks, and it’s like magic! No side effects!"

• Dar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 25, 2020

For Female Infertility "Partner and I were trying for a baby for (at the time) 3 years and no luck, got diagnosed with PCOS. Doctor prescribed me Metformin and Clomid. Took it for about a year/year and a half. My periods were more regular, but then for a good month, I had bad stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Luckily, the side effects went away in the second month, but it (Metformin and Clomid) never did any good in getting pregnant. Going on 5 years with zero luck."